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Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009

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Most here will agree that there's no place like Chicago, and there's no transit system like the CTA's "L" either. Here's four more for your enjoyment....numbers 53 through 56.

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A southbound Green line train roars past east 37th ST on the original "Alley L", which was two track when it opened in 1892. Look close and note that the supports under the far right hand track are different. That track was added in 1907 as a "third track." The track was built directly over the adjoining alley and was sometimes on the east side; sometimes on the west side of the original two tracks, giving the Green line its back and forth swings experienced today.

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From the rear of an inbound Orange line train we catch an outbound one. This flyover interlocking was built in the late 60s providing access for the Dan Ryan "L" to reach the elevated to the Loop and avoiding interference with the Howard Jackson Park/Englewood that used the middle tracks to reach the State ST subway. Flyover juctions are rare in Chicago, the only other one between Harrison and Racine interlockings on the Blue line is not used in regular service.

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The first two test cars of the 5000 series from Bombardier rest next to the Bryn Marw Red line station. Don't know if they've made the 70 MPH mark in testing yet.

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This northbound Green line train slowly treads its way across the bascule bridge carrying the "L" and the street, Lake Street below. Then both the "L" and the street cross the entrance to Union Station used by Metra and Amtrak.

David Harrison

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(851341)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Nilet on Sun Nov 1 20:41:02 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Nice pix!

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(851348)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Joe Saitta on Sun Nov 1 21:01:23 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Your photos are fantastic! Sharp, clear, not under or over-exposed, extremely well-composed and interesting. We need you here in New York City to show most others how to take quality traction photographs.

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(851364)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 21:23:48 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Nilet on Sun Nov 1 20:41:02 2009.

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Thanks, Chicago's "L" is getting more photogenic.

David Harrison

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(851366)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 21:28:21 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Joe Saitta on Sun Nov 1 21:01:23 2009.

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Thank you for your kind words. But you've got some pretty good photographers there, too, however. Plus there are some who won't agree that the Dot Net website ois giving me some credible training and experience.

David Harrison

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(851381)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Nilet on Sun Nov 1 22:03:56 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 21:23:48 2009.

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Yeah. The first one reminds me of the Rockaways for some reason.

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(851417)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Edwards! on Mon Nov 2 00:47:57 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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beautiful....

love your pics..keep them coming.

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(851421)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Fred G on Mon Nov 2 01:03:25 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Wonderful shots, especially that second one.

your pal,
Fred

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(851503)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 10:46:10 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Edwards! on Mon Nov 2 00:47:57 2009.

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Thanks for the kind words. I really love to share our "L" system with everyone.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 10:53:44 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Fred G on Mon Nov 2 01:03:25 2009.

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Fred, that's a great compliment from one of the fine photographers whom I personally admire. The odds for that second shot are astonishing. I've got to be in the rear cab and our train has to meet the opposing train while we're on the flyover. I was aiming to catch a Green line train southbound in front of the tower, but the Orange train was there, spread out in the right sunlight. TaDAH!!! The reverse shot of the train going away from me might be submitted....there's some amount of glint that would be needed for it to qualify. Couldn't have done this shot in October...Chicago had only TWO sunny days the whole month. October was the coldest and the wettest in a long, long time.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by kp5308 on Mon Nov 2 10:54:24 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Spectacular pix & interesting history. ABSOLUTELY keep 'em coming David :o)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by R Pansepcc on Mon Nov 2 10:56:50 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Your photos are always a treat.

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 11:18:19 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Outstanding photos all around - - the second photo is beautiful to see trains mixed in with the Chicago skyline.

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(851532)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:19:42 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by kp5308 on Mon Nov 2 10:54:24 2009.

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Thank you very much. I'll keep trying and keep 'em coming. There was an earlier post last Friday. This was part two.

David Harrison

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(851533)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:20:10 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by R Pansepcc on Mon Nov 2 10:56:50 2009.

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Why thank you.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:22:48 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 11:18:19 2009.

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Thank you. Most of the southside Chicago skyline is new in the last ten years. But ALL of the high rise public housing has been demolished throughout the entire city, unlike New York.

David Harrison

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Re:(New Photo) Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' )

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:41:09 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 11:18:19 2009.

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Here's the backlit going away shot of the train in the second photo. By the way, "Keeping" was the part two of the series....Part one was posted on Oct 31 if you missed it.

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David Harrison

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(851551)

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Re:(New Photo) Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' )

Posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 13:04:43 2009, in response to Re:(New Photo) Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' ), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:41:09 2009.

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I have been "keeping track" of your photos, you tell a wonderful story of Chicago's rich transit history - - a master storyteller.


Keep them up, I love more please.

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(851785)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by eyedoctor on Mon Nov 2 23:04:28 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Being a former Chicago native, I also find some Metra lines are also unique. The ROW of Metra Electric South Chicago and Blue Island Branch, and Rock Island District Suburban Branch has the feel of a light rail with street median runnings!

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 23:30:51 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by eyedoctor on Mon Nov 2 23:04:28 2009.

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One of these days I plan to do the South Chicago Metra Electric. I guess my reputation as a CTA fan is strong enough that it will allow that.

David Harrison

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(851792)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 23:38:27 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:22:48 2009.

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But ALL of the high rise public housing has been demolished throughout the entire city, unlike New York.

The reason why public housing is gone in Chicago is because the failures of the Robert Taylor Houses, the largest public housing project in the northeast when it was completed in 1962. The last of the RT buildings was gone by 1998, because of poor planning, high crime and drugs, and even the Chicago police were afraid of patrolling this neck of the woods.


S. Venkatash wrote a great book on the RT houses, really engrossing read.


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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 00:09:19 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Newkirk Plaza David on Mon Nov 2 23:38:27 2009.

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This is really not the subject of a subway chat...so let me be short.

#1 If Mr. S. Venkatash did not live in Robert Taylor Homes, his is not a true writing, more a "victim analysis."

#2 Chicago embarked/continued a deliberate racial segregation policy coupled with deliberate mismanagement with the reward of valuable real estate holdings going to favored insiders. Robert Taylor didn't "fail", it was planned to fail. Each of 28 buildings housed 1000: 700 children and 300 adults and nine swings in the playground.

But don't get me started....

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by eyedoctor on Tue Nov 3 00:12:39 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 23:30:51 2009.

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Which part of Chicago do you reside? I used to live in Rogers Park adjacent to Jarvis CTA station, then in Des Plaines-walking distance to Cumberland Road Station of Northwestern railroad.

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 00:42:56 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by eyedoctor on Tue Nov 3 00:12:39 2009.

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I live southeast...near Chicago Skyway...near Chicago Vocational High School.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Tue Nov 3 08:07:50 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 00:42:56 2009.

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The Skyway is an old and dear friend of mine, one of my all-time favorite bridges. We used it many times when I was a kid during our frequent trips from South Bend. It actually feels funny when I drive across it now.

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by r33/r36 mainline on Tue Nov 3 08:15:51 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Nice photos!

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ebtmikado on Tue Nov 3 08:19:24 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Good photos. I especially like the 'flyover junction' shot.

Lee

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by chicagomotorman on Tue Nov 3 10:11:33 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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As usual, great phots. BTW, have you been privileged to ride the 5000 series train yet.

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(851917)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 10:19:22 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by r33/r36 mainline on Tue Nov 3 08:15:51 2009.

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Thanks. I enjoy sharing our unique "L" transit with SubChatters.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 10:20:41 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ebtmikado on Tue Nov 3 08:19:24 2009.

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Thanks. I know you Easteners love flyover junctions whereas Chicago uses mainly flat junctions.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 10:24:31 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by chicagomotorman on Tue Nov 3 10:11:33 2009.

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Thanks CMM. No, I haven't been "invited" to ride yet. But if they're in service by next spring, the 5000s will certainly be considered for the IRM Snowflake charter.

David Harrison

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(851943)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Karl M, Ex New Yorker on Tue Nov 3 11:18:36 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon Nov 2 12:20:10 2009.

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Does anyone here know why Chicago EL structures do not have cat walks on the sides like NYC has ? especially on the tight turns, thanks. Karl M

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(851948)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 11:54:44 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by Karl M, Ex New Yorker on Tue Nov 3 11:18:36 2009.

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Catwalks......that subject comes up from time to time doesn't it. I remember one person posting that he thought the catwalks would prevent a derailed train from falling down to the street below.

Our "L" in Chicago was/is mainly two track. The wooden catwalk was included betwen the two tracks. Where a three track elevated was first built, like over East 63rd ST, two catwalks were placed inbetween the three tracks. Then when the first four track elevated was built on the Metropolitan West Side, three catwalks inbetween the four tracks. The Northwestern Elevated did the same by 1900 with their four track main. A short outside catwalk was constructed at the ends of most station platforms...called "fool catcher" supposedly people hanging on the outsides of "L" trains would fall off there, instead of to the street below. Outside catwalks began appearing in areas where there were towers, lots of train movements, like next to the 61st ST yard. A person on the track could walk on the outside catwalk and only be concerned with trains from one direction mainly. In short, I think the question is not why doesn't Chicago have more but why does New York have them. I think my last idea, the need to be watchful for trains from two directions is the main reason. New York has more of this with their three track elevateds than did Chicago with our two tracks.

David Harrison

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(852001)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by seabeachexpress on Tue Nov 3 14:18:22 2009, in response to Keeping Up With Chicago's "L" (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Sun Nov 1 20:39:22 2009.

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Terrific! Thanks for Sharing.

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Karl M, Ex New Yorker on Tue Nov 3 15:57:06 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 11:54:44 2009.

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Thanks David, When I last visited Chicago about ten years ago I just felt strange riding in the EL and not seeing the cat walk outside of the
structure like NY, oh well to each their own I guess. Karl M

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(852133)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 19:33:57 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by seabeachexpress on Tue Nov 3 14:18:22 2009.

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Thank you very much.

David Harrison

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by eyedoctor on Tue Nov 3 20:09:24 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 00:42:56 2009.

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Are you within a walking distance to the Metra Electric South Chicago 87th street station?

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(852182)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 21:07:38 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by eyedoctor on Tue Nov 3 20:09:24 2009.

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You DID do a Google Map search of Chicago Vocational High School. Then you know that it is a mile away from the So Chicago branch...that's not walking distance. I prefer to drive and park next to the mainline whenever I use Metra Electric. During off hours, their hourly trains are far from convenient. It pays to look up the schedule to avoid waiting and waiting.

David Harrison

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(852332)

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Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS)

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Wed Nov 4 07:54:13 2009, in response to Re: Keeping Up With Chicago's ''L'' (PHOTOS), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue Nov 3 21:07:38 2009.

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IIRC Dick Butkus and Chris Zorich went there.

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